(NACCHO and CityMatCH co-produce "Emerging Issues in MCH" (E-MCH) webinars, presenting current research, policy and practice strategies on critical issues in US public health)

This session is for health care professionals who are currently using or interested in using Internet technologies and social media for reaching adolescents. The session will provide insights into the shift towards “web 2.0” and “new media,” how teens are using these technologies for social networking, dating and identity formation, and many of the perceived and real risks associated with this shift. We’ll explore successful methods of utilizing the Internet and social media for social marketing, increasing access to services, and providing sexual and reproductive health and family planning information and support to youth. Lastly we’ll discuss some of the common pitfalls associated with web-based initiatives targeted to youth and ways to avoid potential setbacks.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this workshop participants will be able to:

Think critically about many of the purported “risks” associate with adolescent adoption and utilization of social media.

Discuss how Internet social media can be utilized to carry out a wide range of public health program activities more efficiently

Describe successful Health IT strategies for enhancing program efforts and increasing program reach

Identify keys areas of the burgeoning Health IT field that require careful scrutiny prior to implementation Formulate basic policies and procedures that address potential challenges in the adoption of Health IT activities

NACCHO and CityMatCH have been renewed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to provide continuing education credits (CME, CNE, CECH, and CEU's) for the Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health Series beginning October 20, 2009 through October 20, 2011. To view the accreditation statement, please visit http://www.naccho.org/topics/hpdp/mch/emch.cfm

Recordings

Kenny Neal Shults has over 15 years of training and consulting experience working with service organizations to develop sound, innovative strategies for service delivery, infrastructure development and lasting organizational growth. He specializes in program development for at-risk populations (youth, men who have sex with men, IV drug users, homeless/runaway teens, and trans populations) In 1999, he developed some of the first program objectives, data collection and evaluation strategies for agencies to reach clients online and to minimize liability. A pioneer in the development of Internet and social media-based approaches, he trains on their application in public health campaigns, and the impacts of new media on health and at-risk populations' behavior. Kenny has coordinated male sexual / reproductive health projects and designed large scale social marketing efforts. Kenny is lauded for his ability to simplify and teach sophisticated concepts effectively and entertainingly.

Oscar Raul, Lopez, MPH

Oscar Raúl López has been providing capacity building assistance on behalf of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, SAMHSA, Office of Population Affairs and the Office of Women’s Health for over 10 years. He has worked in public health for 20+ years as a private consultant and director for various non-profits and agencies and developed mobile health units, runaway youth shelters, launched non-profits and been recognized for his award winning programs for homeless youth, men who have sex with men, Latinas and minority populations. Since 1999 he has worked closely with city and state health departments and non-profits to develop web-based approaches to reach at-risk populations with sexual health and substance abuse prevention education. A nationally recognized public speaker and trainer, well regarded for his knowledge and experience as well as for his use of humor and innovative training style.